[National Council of Teachers of English](https://ncte.org)

October 15, 2026 (Nomination) | October 15, 2025 (Nomination)

No direct monetary award; recipients receive a plaque and recognition at the NCTE Annual Convention.

Recognizes outstanding fiction for children that inspires compassion, imagination, and wonder.

--- ## Description The Charlotte Huck Award® for Outstanding Fiction for Children, established in 2014 by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), honors excellence in the writing of fiction for children. The award celebrates books that have the potential to transform children’s lives by inviting compassion, imagination, and wonder. Each year, one winner, up to five Honor books, and up to eight Recommended books are selected. The award is presented at the NCTE Annual Convention, with the winning author or illustrator featured as a keynote speaker. --- ## Due Dates - October 15, 2026: Nomination deadline - October 15, 2025: Previous nomination deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - No direct monetary prize is awarded. - The award-winning author and/or illustrator receives a plaque and is featured as a keynote speaker at the NCTE Annual Convention. - Honor book authors/illustrators receive a certificate and recognition. - Complimentary digital seals are provided to winners and their publishers; physical seals can be purchased. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible books must be works of fiction for children ages 3–12. - Books must have been published or distributed in the United States or its territories during the preceding calendar year. - All fiction formats are eligible, including picture books, novels, and graphic novels. - Nominations can be submitted by publishers, NCTE members, and the broader educational community. - Books published in November or December may be considered for the following award cycle. - Exemplary literary quality of both text and illustrations is required. - Books must connect children to their own humanity and offer a rich, transformative literary experience. --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted by October 15. - Early submission is encouraged. - One copy of each nominated book should be sent to each committee member for review; both digital and hard copies are accepted. - Advance copies or galley proofs are acceptable, especially for October publications. - For books published in November or December, contact NCTE to confirm eligibility for the current or next cycle. - Publishers or authors should email [bookawards@ncte.org](mailto:bookawards@ncte.org) with nomination details to receive committee contact information. - NCTE members may use the submission form on the [Children’s Book Award homepage](https://ncte.org/awards/ncte-childrens-book-awards/). - No additional forms are required. --- ## Additional Information - The Charlotte Huck Award® Committee selects the winner, Honor books, and Recommended books annually. - Award seals (gold, silver, bronze) are available for purchase to distinguish winning and honored books. - Winners and Honor books are recognized at the NCTE Annual Convention, and may be invited to present. --- ## External Links - [Award Program Page](https://ncte.org/awards/ncte-childrens-book-awards/charlotte-huck-award/) - [Eligibility Details](https://ncte.org/awards/ncte-childrens-book-awards/charlotte-huck-award/#coll-20621) - [Submission Instructions](https://ncte.org/awards/ncte-childrens-book-awards/charlotte-huck-award/#coll-20624) - [Award Criteria](https://ncte.org/awards/ncte-childrens-book-awards/charlotte-huck-award/#coll-20622) - [NCTE Annual Convention](https://convention.ncte.org/) - [Book Award Homepage](https://ncte.org/awards/ncte-childrens-book-awards/) - [Previous Winners (2026)](https://ncte.org/wp-content/uploads/Huck_Award_Winners_2026.pdf) - [Previous Winners (2015–2025)](https://ncte.org/wp-content/uploads/Huck_Award_Winners_2015-2025.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Webpage | |--------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Book Awards | [bookawards@ncte.org](mailto:bookawards@ncte.org) | 217-328-3870 | [Contact NCTE](https://ncte.org/contact-us/) |

Charlotte Huck Award® for Outstanding Fiction for Children

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